2023 CONFERENCE + REGIONAL EXCHANGE
Over three dynamic days, more than 850 people came together for this unique opportunity to advance a Minnesota for all ages. From virtual sessions covering trends and innovations to networking with allies in seven regions across Minnesota, we bring our collective wisdom to help build a multisector blueprint. Scroll down for recordings of key sessions and to share your thoughts.
TRENDS+INNOVATIONS
Applications for continuing education of conference sessions have not been made to any licensing boards. Attendees can use this Certificate of Attendance to self-submit as appropriate.
Take 60-seconds right now to share some feedback about your conference experience.
Share your feedback before October 28 to help inform efforts in crafting a plan to build an Age-Friendly Minnesota.
Vote now to help us name Minnesota's multi-sector plan on aging.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
AGENDA
9:00-10:30 Welcome Session
The Future of Wellbeing in Minnesota - Across All Ages
powered by FutureiQ, Inc.
Watch the full session or advance to the keynote at 19:00 min.
DAVID BEURLE, CEO
Future iQ, Inc.
What are the macro trends impacting wellbeing and livability in our communities for all ages? Join us to explore these trends and their potential impacts. Learn how some Minnesota communities are dealing with these trends and how they are looking to the future and planning for wellbeing and livability looking out over the next 20 years.
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-11:45 Concurrent Sessions
Where Ageism, Racism and Other Systemic Inequalities Intersect
HOST
All Elders United for Justice
While ageism impacts all races and demographic groups, the harmful effects of ageism, or any type of injustice, are intensified when other systemic injustices such as racism and sexism are present.
This presentation provides an understanding of how the confluence of diverse injustices rapidly intensifies their effects by enabling a vicious cycle of disparate harm.
This understanding then highlights the importance of continued vigilance as we advocate for justice and equity for seniors and for all.
SPEAKER
JONATHAN ROSE, Executive Director, All Elders United for Justice
AUDIENCE
All are welcome
A Roadmap for Developing a Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
HOST
Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Sharing how we established a local Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness with organizations from the greater St. Cloud area, this session will provide the instruments used to establish the coalition and solicit participation from the community. Designed as a workshop for those who would like to develop the tools for social integration and intergenerational engagement. A discussion of the methods for establishing baseline data and the results of our analyses. Participation by small groups interested in creating a plan for a local coalition is encouraged as time will be included for groups to discuss plans for implementation.
SPEAKERS
STEVE HOOVER, Healthy Aging Coordinator, Central Minnesota Council on Aging, FYZEEN AHMAD, Undergraduate Chair of the Aging Studies Interdisciplinary Group, University of Minnesota; Project Blue Star
AUDIENCE
Individuals interested in learning more about starting a Coalition to End Social Isolation; all are welcome
Aging and Engaging: Optimizing the Contributions of Older Adults
HOST
Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
Let’s flip the script on aging and engaging! Older adults' ability to engage in civic life, workforce, and meaningful opportunities is an essential component to Age-Friendly communities. This session will spotlight four examples of meaningful engagement: an intergenerational gardening program, an employer toolkit on “Returnships” (internships for older adults) and recruiting older adults into the workforce, optimizing Libraries as community hubs, and mobilizing advocacy efforts through the Arrowhead Changemakers Group. Communities thrive when older adults sustain sense of purpose, stay socially engaged, exercise personal agency, maintain degrees of freedom with their lives, and most importantly, to belong in our communities.
SPEAKERS
GEORGIA LANE, Aging Services Planner, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging;
ALI BILDEN CAMPS, Northforce Program Manager, Northspan Group, Inc.;
JODI GREBINOSKI, Library Director, Virginia Public Library; ANN BUSSEY, Community Aging Advocate
AUDIENCE
Aging service professionals, community members, city planners, funders, elected officials, and employers
11:45-12:00 Break
12:00-4:00
Economic Development: Connecting to Opportunity
powered by AARP Livable Communities
SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
AGENDA
9:00-10:30 General Session
Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis
powered by AARP Minnesota
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-11:45 Concurrent Sessions
JENNIFER SETTLE Sr. Associate, and MEGAN REINECCIUS, Associate, Opticos Design
Middle Housing types provide diverse housing options, such as duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and multiplexes. These house-scale buildings fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods and support walkability, locally-serving retail, and public transportation options. They offer solutions along a spectrum of affordability that provide a range of housing choice to communities of all size.
We'll address:
- What is the problem and why is it important to discuss?
- What is Missing Middle Housing?
- What are the important characteristics and types of MMH?
- What are the key barriers to Missing Middle Housing?
Engaging Diverse Communities Through Culturally Responsive Outreach and Capacity Building
HOST
Trellis
This session will identify strategies for successful partnerships across diverse communities. We will share examples of approaches and considerations that help build relationship with and amplify the voices of those communities.
SPEAKERS
DIANE GRAHAM-RAFF, Eldercare Development Partnership Coordinator, Trellis; and JETTA WIEDEMEIER BOWER, Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Senior Linkage Line/Trellis
AUDIENCE
Anyone interested in connecting and building relationships with others beyond their current cultural circle
The Outside Possibility:
Building Health, Wellness and Connection Through Time Outdoors
HOST
MN Leadership Council on Aging
Screens and busy lives have come to dominate our attention and decrease the time we spend outside and with others. Connecting with nature and other people across the lifespan holds a key we can use to open doors to improved health outcomes. Attend this session to imagine how to incorporate nature connections into our lives, work, and communities and learn what Age Friendly Minnesota community grantees have been doing in this area.
SPEAKER
BREANNA WHEELER, Owner, Wheeler Consulting
AUDIENCE
Anyone with interest is welcome. Neighborhood associations, community groups, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, businesses, health care providers, senior living, assisted living, long term care providers, senior/community centers, nature centers, organizations/agencies that manage natural spaces
Be Prepared, Not Scared: Planning for Disasters and Emergencies
HOST
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
Disasters and emergencies happen in a moment's notice. Being prepared is vital to survival and recovery. This session will address how community leaders, service providers, planners, and others can inclusively plan for the needs of older adults during emergency situations. Discussions will involve best practice examples, available planning templates, and scenarios from past disasters.
SPEAKERS
JENNIFER OLSON, Emergency Operations Planning Director, Northwest Regional Development Commission; and
VAL MATTISON, Program Developer, Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
AUDIENCE
City and county staff and elected officials, faith communities, caregivers, aging service providers, or anyone interested in making sure their community is prepared for emergencies.
Bridging the Family Care Gap
HOST
Minnesota Northstar Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program
The heart of long-term care for older people in the U.S. is provided by unpaid family members, friends, and others. However, is this arrangement sustainable? This presentation will explore the public health implications of family caregiving for older people, the potential "family care gap," and possible solutions.
SPEAKER
JOSEPH GAUGLER, Professor and Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in LTC and Aging, University of Minnesota School of Public Health
AUDIENCE
Anyone interested in care for older people
11:45-12:00 Break
12:00-4:00
Economic Development: Connecting to Opportunity
powered by AARP Livable Communities
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
Participants were encouraged to review this handout in advance and come prepared to select a domain of interest during the Regional Exchange
EXCHANGE DOMAINS
This unique opportunity to gather in-person offered a chance for more than 500 Minnesotans to share insights on key questions to inform how a 10-year state plan could address the regional solutions needed to help us achieve an Age-Friendly Minnesota.
AGENDA
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-9:20 Welcoming Remarks and Introductions
SHERRIE PUGH, Chair
Age-Friendly Minnesota Council
9:20-10:00 Keynote Address
The Future of Wellbeing in Minnesota - Across All Ages
DAVID BEURLE, CEO
Future iQ, Inc.
10:00-10:10 Break
10:10-11:00 Exchange Session 1: OUTCOMES
11:00-11:10 Break
11:10-12:00 Exchange Session 2: STRATEGIES
12:00 Adjourn and Lunch*
*Select locations include a light networking lunch
Vote now to help us name Minnesota's multi-sector plan on aging.
HOST
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
LOCATION
First Lutheran Church
1655 18th Ave E.
Alexandria, MN 56308
HOST
Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
LOCATION
Minnesota Discovery Center - Taconite Square
1005 Discovery Dr.
Chisholm, MN 55719
HOST
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
LOCATION
East Grand Forks City Hall
600 DeMers Ave, Room S101 East Grand Forks, MN 56721
HOST
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
LOCATION
Adult Community Center
107 South 4th Street
Marshall, MN 56258
HOSTS
AARP Minnesota and Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging
LOCATION
People's' Energy Cooperative
Community Room
1775 Lake Shady Ave S, Oronoco, MN 55960
HOST
Central Minnesota Council on Aging
LOCATION
Resource Training & Solutions
137 23rd Street South
Sartell, MN 56377
HOSTS
Age-Friendly Minnesota, MN Leadership Council on Aging and MN North Star GWEP
LOCATION
Minnesota Humanities Center
987 Ivy Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
ABOUT
Starting in 2023, the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council asked the MN Leadership Council on Aging to create and maintain this website to promote events, resources, news and stories from Age-Friendly Minnesota technical assistance providers and community grantees.
